Verification essential to stemming spread of deadly weapons - Annan

While treaty regimes have great potential to stem the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, reliable verification measures are essential to addressing the problem, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today.

Addressing the International Peace Academy Conference on Weapons of Mass Destruction held in New York, Mr. Annan also pointed out the danger of deadly weapons does not diminish depending on the context. "Let us be clear: the threats are inherent in such activities, regardless of who may be undertaking them," he said.

Concerning the emerging danger posed by terrorism, he said the high-level panel he appointed last year to discuss emerging threats would be examining the issue in depth and stressed that the process would require casting a wide net.

"I expect the panel to gather wisdom from around the world, and not to organize a closed-door exercise, and to listen to the advice of civil society, universities [and] other sources," he said, voicing hope that participants "will make your views known."